🏏 Top Wicket-Takers – India’s Bowling Legends
India has produced some of the finest bowlers in cricket history. Among them, Anil Kumble, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Jasprit Bumrah have made significant contributions across different formats. This page delves into their illustrious careers, highlighting their achievements and records.
Anil Kumble
Anil Kumble, renowned for his leg-spin bowling, stands as India’s leading wicket-taker in Test cricket.
- Test Career: 1990–2008
- Matches: 132
- Wickets: 619
- Bowling Average: 29.65
- Best Bowling in an Innings: 10/74
- Five-Wicket Hauls: 35
- Ten-Wicket Match Hauls: 8
Kumble’s remarkable feat of taking all ten wickets in a single Test innings against Pakistan in 1999 remains a highlight of his career.
Ravichandran Ashwin
Ravichandran Ashwin, a versatile off-spinner, has been a cornerstone of India’s bowling attack in recent years.
- Test Career: 2011–2024
- Matches: 106
- Wickets: 537
- Bowling Average: 24.00
- Best Bowling in an Innings: 7/59
- Five-Wicket Hauls: 37
- Ten-Wicket Match Hauls: 8
Ashwin achieved the milestone of 300 Test wickets in just 54 matches, making him the fastest to reach this landmark.
Jasprit Bumrah
Jasprit Bumrah, known for his unique bowling action and lethal yorkers, has been instrumental in India’s success, especially in limited-overs cricket.
- International Career: 2016–Present
- Test Matches: 30
- Test Wickets: 128
- ODI Matches: 72
- ODI Wickets: 121
- T20I Matches: 60
- T20I Wickets: 70
- Best Bowling in an Innings: 6/33 (Test), 5/27 (ODI), 3/11 (T20I)
Bumrah’s ability to deliver under pressure has made him one of the most sought-after bowlers in international cricket.
Comparative Analysis
| Player | Test Wickets | Matches | Bowling Average | 5-Wicket Hauls | 10-Wicket Matches |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anil Kumble | 619 | 132 | 29.65 | 35 | 8 |
| Ravichandran Ashwin | 537 | 106 | 24.00 | 37 | 8 |
| Jasprit Bumrah | 128 | 30 | 21.99 | 8 | 0 |
Note: Statistics are accurate as of February 2025 and are subject to change as players continue their careers.
These three bowlers have etched their names in cricket history with their exceptional performances, inspiring future generations of cricketers.